Denim is undoubtedly one of my favourite materials to wear. So, whilst others pack their best jeans away for summer, I'm scoping out the core summer denim trends that allow me to wear jeans (or some variation of them) well into August. Of course, it's still possible to wear styles from other seasons, but my black jeans and voluminous, floor-sweeping wide-leg pairs often feel a little too heavy when the sun is out. Luckily for me, this year, there's a lot to choose from as far as jeans-forward looks go for summer 2025.
I'm always surprised by all the ways that denim morphs and changes each season. Just when I think there couldn't possibly be any other ideas, a new style appears -- or reappears -- that I hadn't even thought of. The Bermuda shorts of the '90s and noughties are back this summer with a sleek, tailored upgrade, whilst colours that soared last year have emerged in denim form (hello, cocoa-brown jeans); and dungarees have solidified themselves as a playful way of working denim into your summer outfits.
Scroll to explore how the fashion set is interpreting denim this summer, along with several options for bringing these trends into your own wardrobe. And rest assured that these trends are certainly timeless enough to bring back next year, too.
Style Notes: Push those ultra-short shorts to the back of your wardrobe and make room for Bermudas and the long shorts trend. These longer counterparts are chameleons in my eyes, because it's possible to style them with blouses, blazers and "nice tops" for an elevated take, like Chiara Perera has done so perfectly here (the heeled sandals are a gorgeous touch). Alternatively, you can wear them with a casual vest or a T-shirt with trainers for a laid-back look.
Style Notes: I never predicted that my favourite colour trend, cocoa brown, would meet denim in such a perfect way. I love the warmth and earthiness that brown brings to an outfit; it feels a touch softer than my dark black clothes during summer. In a cool barrel-leg or straight-leg cut, I'm sold. I love that Hedvig Sagfjord Opshaug (pictured above) has combined several shades of brown for this chic summer look.
Style Notes: As time goes on, I'm becoming drawn to relaxed jeans and trousers. I'll never turn up my nose at anyone's preference for a certain trend (fashion is so personal), but tighter-fitting, skinny styles often feel a little too stuffy for me, especially during summer. Instead, wide-leg or loose jeans in shades of white and cream are calling to me. Take inspiration from Layla Abbey's look (above) and opt for a cool pattern on your shoes and top to realy make the white jeans stand out.
Style Notes: A friend and I recently discussed how freeing it feels to dress for your inner child, meaning choosing outfits that bring you joy, as opposed to what's cool to others. These are often items you probably enjoyed wearing when you were younger. For me, dungarees slot perfectly into this category. They're fun, playful and a great choice for summer days, and because they're all-in-one, they make getting dressed so easy. I love Allison Kelley's choice of colourful trainers and a lace top here.
Style Notes: Longer denim skirts, whether maxi or midi, are ideal because of how similar they are to jeans, especially when they have a split (or two). A split hem means you get the comfort and freedom of a looser skirt, so it's no wonder that this style is set for another in-demand summer. I love the simplicity of Taffy Msipa's outfit (pictured above). Less is often more with summer outfits, and the minimalist top and sandals are worth noting for your own rotation.